Bosh, who finished with a game-high 31 points, was instrumental in setting up Toronto's late-game defensive intensity.

"We were trying to change some defences and when we started talking about trapping (Bosh) just said, `No, coach, everybody's going to guard their man,'" said Mitchell. "He challenged his teammates to guard their man, regardless of the athleticism that we were giving up, and the size. He just challenged everyone and our guys responded."

"I think Jermaine brings a toughness and an attitude to our team and Chris's experience at the Olympics and him coming back with the attitude he had, his mindset is defence," Mitchell said. "I was proud of our defence. Every time we needed a stop, he got it."

So there the Raptors were in overtime, leading by four, when head coach Sam Mitchell noticed Bargnani was being covered by 6-foot-5 inch Kelenna Azubuike.

The call came: Get the ball to Bargnani. He responded with a strong post-up and basket after a brief bobble, and the Raptors were ahead by six points halfway through the overtime. They never looked back.

"There was mismatch," Bargnani said. "We called the [isolation]. It's what I worked on all summer, and I'm trying to do better. I'm still not good, but I'm getting better."

Coach Don Nelson used a big lineup in the second quarter: Biedrins and back-up center Ronny Turiaf, Harrington, Jackson and Maggette. They immediately ran off 10 consecutive points, Jackson capping the run with a three-pointer to put the Warriors ahead 48-47 with 1:20 left in the half.

With Turiaf and Biedrins together, the Warriors were able to protect the rim and defend the low post. With Harrington at small forward, the Warriors were able to switch at every position without worrying about a size disadvantage.

It was so effective that Nelson kept the lineup for much of the rest of the game, with swingman Kelenna Azubuike backing up Maggette and Jackson. Even Bosh's 31 points were hard-earned.